Just Add Imagination

As someone who went from a ‘non-traditional’ background to study science at the University of Oxford, it was a massive honour to work with Oxford Sparks on their Parents for STEM Futures project.

I helped to create a resource – Just Add Imagination – that aims to increase science capital among children and families from non-traditional backgrounds, who are under-represented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Science and maths are the springboard to a vast range of rewarding careers. Research shows that support and encouragement from family and friends is key in giving children the confidence to access opportunities in STEM. The free Just Add Imagination pack is full of ideas to help families explore science and maths careers at home. Eight people demolish myths about who belongs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and share their own pathways into exciting roles. Each case study is linked to activities that help show children what science and maths are really like – not lists of facts to be learned, but ways of thinking, creating, and exploring the world.